Nylon 6 nanocomposites by melt compounding

Nylon 6-organoclay nanocomposites were prepared via direct melt compounding using a conventional twin screw extruder. The mechanical properties and morphology of these nanocomposites were determined and compared to similar materials made by an in situ polymerization process. The organoclay was well exfoliated into the nylon 6 matrix when compounded with the twin screw extruder but use of a single screw extruder was far less effective. The mechanical properties of the organoclay nanocomposites were significantly increased with marginal decrease of ductility and showed much greater values than glass fiber composites. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.